AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed Ronaldinho is set for a move back to Brazil.

The forward, who had been an ambitious target for Premier League side Blackburn, is close to joining home-town club Gremio.

Brazilian media outlet Radio Globo claimed the 30-year-old was in Rio De Janeiro to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal with the club and Allegri said "We are all sorry to lose a player of the quality of Ronaldinho. But he has made a life choice by going to Brazil."

Ronaldinho's current contract with Milan expires at the end of the the season and, with the Rossoneri having already signed Antonio Cassano from Sampdoria this week, there is no space for the former Barcelona star in Allegri's line-up.